Park Farm is a SSSI Water Meadow owned by the University of Oxford. We are recording the habitat management to improve biodiversity and maintain historical watermeadows.

University of Oxford - Park Farm Marston

A new woodland by the northwest corner of Wytham Woods, located between the Thames and the current woodland boundary. Bear Wood, named after the hill which rises up alongside, has a vital role in the future of Wytham and its surrounding environment, which includes extracting and storing carbon dioxide from the air and providing a habitat for a wealth of wildlife.

This is a new Oak plantation, and was planted in autumn 2025 by the local community, with home grown acorns. Previous to the planting, we gave away acorns from selected ancient oaks to grow for a few years at home, before bringing their oaklings to plant in this relandscaped space. 

Approximately 150 Oaklings are planted, with a variety of dedications and sentiments, by the community people.

This land is University owned, but has two footpaths running through it - one being the Thames Path. Access is footpath only -  from the Toll bridge via a path near the bus stop.  There is no public parking by Eynsham Lock.

Bear Wood Oak Plantation 3

Part of New Marston Meadows SSSI,UK Priority Habitat of ‘Lowland Meadow’

A haymeadow, with public access: footpath along the edge of the Cherwell to the western margin. Floods extensively and frequently in winter.

Park Farm Marston 105

[Lampost looking across meadow towards river, boardered by cyclepath]

This is part of New Marston Meadows SSSI, UK Priority Habitat of ‘Lowland Meadow’

In summer, the site is grazed by cattle and floods extensively and frequently in winter. Waterlogging has increased dominance of wetland vegetation like tall clonal sedges in the meadow areas nearest the river. This has been historically used as a haymeadow during the various history of ownership.

A cycle track  runs through the middle, sometimes is impassable due to water depth. 

Park Farm Marston 102

Bear Wood Oak Plantation 1

[Field gate looking across meadows from main path]

The site is part of New Marston Meadows SSSI, UK Priority Habitat of ‘Lowland Meadow’

Park Farm Marston 104

Court Place Gardens was acquired by the University of Oxford in 1966. It is a mosaic of lowland mixed deciduous woodland with elements of calcareous alkaline fen, wet woodland, and old punting channels. Scattered ornamental, non-native species can still be found from when the site was the manor house's ornamental garden.

We are rennovating the area for the local people to enjoy.  There is a permissive footpath through the woodland, the main entrance to the gardens is via Rivermead Nature Park.

The woodland at Court Place Gardens is less than a century old. Some of the larger trees were planted for landscape reasons within the garden of the Mansion House. 

Court Place Gardens 1

Bear Wood Oak Plantation 2

This is part of New Marston Meadows SSSI, this field entrance overlooks a frequent flooded watermeadow.

UK Priority Habitat of ‘Lowland Meadow’

Waterlogging has increased dominance of wetland vegetation like tall clonal sedges in meadow areas nearest the river

This is flood grazing pasture/marshland adjacent to the Cherwell. 

The field entrance faces South, branching away from Marston cyclepath

Park Farm Marston 101

Court Place Gardens 3

Court Place Gardens 2

[bottom of bridge, facing North East overlooking main water meadows and cyclepath]

University of Oxford - Park Farm Marston

England

5 chronologs managed by University of Oxford - Park Farm Marston

Park Farm Marston 105

Park Farm Marston 103

Park Farm Marston 104

Park Farm Marston 102

Park Farm Marston 101

About University of Oxford - Park Farm Marston

For nature-lovers

For organizations